Timi Frank, the former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has cautioned judicial officers across the country against delivering judgments that could undermine Nigeria’s democratic process, warning that the international community is closely monitoring developments in the nation’s courts.
Frank, who spoke amid ongoing legal disputes involving the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and its erstwhile Deputy National Chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, expressed concern over what he described as attempts to deploy the judiciary against opposition political parties ahead of future elections.
He called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the National Judicial Council, NJC, and judges of the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court to uphold the independence of the judiciary and resist pressure from politicians.
According to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, judicial decisions in politically sensitive cases must be guided strictly by the law and not partisan considerations.
“The Chief Judge and all judges of the Federal High Court, as well as judges across the country, should be cautious in the way they handle political and other sensitive cases at this time. They should be careful because the international community is watching and paying attention,” Frank said.
Frank specifically referenced legal battles involving ADC and ex-deputy national vice chairman, Nafiu Bala Gombe, alleging that efforts were being made to secure court orders capable of weakening the Senator David Mark led opposition ADC and restricting its participation in the democratic process.
He claimed that he is aware of subterranean moves by the presidency to blackmail and intimidate the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court with corruption allegations in order to ensure that the ongoing ADC suit is assigned to a pliant judge who will rule to stop the presidential candidate of the ADC, Atiku Abubakar, and the party’s candidates for the positions of Senate, House of Representatives, Governor, and House of Assembly members in the forthcoming general elections.
He, however, warned that any such move would be resisted by well-meaning Nigerians towards sustaining and preserving democracy in the country.
He urged judges handling such matters to ensure justice is dispensed without fear or favour, warning that any judgment perceived as politically motivated could damage public confidence in the judiciary.
“If they are not aware, I am reminding them that the international community is monitoring what is happening in Nigeria, including what many perceive as fraudulent judgments. There will be consequences and actions against those involved,” he stated.
He further alleged that judicial officers who aid attempts to derail democracy through questionable rulings could face sanctions from foreign governments and international institutions.
“From now on, if they do not know, I am telling them that there will be consequences from the international community, particularly from the American government, for judges who give judgments aimed at truncating democracy,” he said.
Frank also warned that such repercussions could extend beyond individual judicial officers.
“The consequences will affect not only them but also their families. There could be certain actions taken against them and their families. They should therefore be very careful,” he added.
